If you’ve been a host for a holiday gathering, you know there are countless hosting-related chores. From pre-holiday cleaning and cooking prep to post-gathering cleanup, it always seems there’s something to be done for a smooth holiday. If you’re usually a guest, you might think your only job is to show up and have fun. But asking your host how you can help is never a bad idea. We reached out to hosting experts to find the top four chores guests should always help with to make holidays easier for hosts.
Meet the Expert: Patti Diamond is a hosting expert at Divas On A Dime, covering affordable meal planning and party planning. Tom Mayes is an event planner at Amayesing Graze, a catering company specializing in grazing boards. Eliana Coca is a professional cleaner and the founder of E.C. House Cleaning. Food Prep and Clean Up: For a host, cooking food and cleaning up after guests leave are crucial for a successful gathering. Guests can offer to help with this. Patti Diamond says, ‘I love it when dinner guests offer to help with food prep and cleanup. Things like chopping veggies, setting the table, or putting away leftovers.’ Even if you’re not good in the kitchen, you can bring a dish or set the table if you arrive early. Pitching in at the end is also fine. Eliana Coca says, ‘Offering to assist with post-dinner cleanup, such as loading the dishwasher or drying dishes, eases the host’s burden and creates a warmer, more communal atmosphere. It shows gratitude for the host’s effort.’ Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more! Serving and Refilling: A host can’t be everywhere at once. Guests offering to keep an eye on things that need replenishing or doing it themselves can free up the host’s time. Diamond says, ‘At parties, it’s nice to step up and help with serving or refilling. I appreciate a guest that will refill drinks, replenish appetizers, or help serve dessert without being asked.’ Taking Out the Trash: Dealing with trash is everyone’s least favorite task. But if there are a lot of disposable cups, plates, or wrapping paper, offering to collect and take them out can help with a quick cleanup. Tom Mayes says, ‘Offering to help by consolidating trash, sorting recyclables, or even taking out the garbage can save the host time and reduce stress, especially at the end of the evening when everyone’s winding down.’During the holiday season, hosting pros suggest that guests should contribute to the following chores to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone involved.
Bathroom Etiquette: An Important Gesture Maintaining bathroom cleanliness is a small yet significant act that can prevent uncomfortable situations or negative experiences for other party guests. According to Diamond, “After using the bathroom, guests should always clean up after themselves, such as wiping counters or mirrors if necessary, and ensure the space is tidy and pleasant for the next person. And if a candle or air spray is provided, it’s a thoughtful gesture to use them.”